2012/2013: 8th
Transfer(s) In: Matej Vydra (Udinese, Loan), Diego Lugano (Paris Saint Germain, Free), Nicolas Anelka (Shanghai Shenhua, Free), Goran Popov (Dinamo Kiev, Loan), Scott Sinclair (Manchester City, Loan), Victor Anichebe (Everton, £5 Million), Stephane Sessegnon (Sunderland, £6 Million), Morgan Amalfitano (Marseille, Loan)
Transfer(s) Out: Marc-Antoine Fortune, Gonzalo Jara, Jerome Thomas (Released), Peter Odemwingie (Cardiff City, £2 Million)
Transfers Review:
West Brom are in the very fortunate position this season of being able to make only a couple of changes to a squad that has proven to be highly successful in the Premier League, finishing in an all time high of 8th. If we look at the predictions that I made at the end of the season, I said that a central defender and a more creative wide player would be required, citing Ryan Shawcross and Scott Sinclair as potential targets. Whilst Shawcross was never talked about as a target in reality, they certainly filled that position with Lugano. The addition of Scott Sinclair certainly fill that void of a winger. As I stated in my review post, I think he would add a lot to West Brom, and they would be doing him a favour by playing him regularly.
In terms of who they have brought in thus far this summer, they have a good mix of youth and experience. The major loss to the Baggies happened up front, with the in form Romelu Lukaku returning to his parent club Chelsea. After such an excellent season on loan to West Brom, they will miss his strength and goals. In order to replace those goals, Clarke moved quickly to bring in the ex Bolton, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka. His experience will inevitably be as valuable as his goals, especially when considering the young striker he has signed since. Matej Vydra, after a fantastic goalscoring season on loan from Udinese, has been loaned in again. I have no doubt about his ability to step up, and with a partner in the form of Anelka, he will learn much from the Baggies. Similarly, in central defence, the more experienced Diego Lugano, who is quite a capture for West Brom, being the Uruguayan national captain, will train the young centre-back Popov. I full expect all to be important in West Brom's season.
Pre-Season:
West Brom began their pre-season preparations with a friendly match in Hannover, a match that ended with a 2-1 defeat. Bearing in mind that this Hannover side was recently playing European football, this cannot be considered a complete disaster. The Baggies then took part in three further matches during the month of July, giving themselves little time to rest or recuperate. They began with an exhibition game against a Puskas FC Academy XI, which they dominated from start to finish, with a comfortable margin of victory, winning by 3 goals to 0. Next, they returned to England to face Derby County. Once again, the Premier League side were victorious, though this was by a slimmer margin that they perhaps would have liked, winning only 2-0. They finished July with a home game against Greek side Atromitos. After a poor start, which saw them fall behind to a Karagounis goal, they fought back after the break, with goals from Anelka, Berehino and Rosenberg rounding off a 3-1 victory to keep the Baggies tremendous run of form going.
August proved as busy a month as the one before, with three pre-season games in nine days. However, the period did not start well, with a home loss against Genoa. After just a five day rest, the Baggies travelled to Ireland to take on Cork City Foras. The defeat seemed not to affect the confidence of the players, who turned on the style for their manager. A 6-0 thrashing was handed out to the Irish Premier League side, boosting morale in the West Brom camp. They finished their preparations with a more challenging game against Bologna, and they came away with arguably, an even more impressive result than the one that came before it. A 2-0 win over the Serie A side finished the pre-season tour in the best possible manner, and gave them the perfect pedestal to move into the league season.
Key Players:
A key player for the Baggies this campaign will undoubtedly be Chris Brunt. The creator of many of West Brom's opportunities last season, the captain will have a crucial role to play once more this year. His deadly delivery from set pieces and his vision with a through ball will make him a vital asset this time around. If they are to repeat last year's heroics, a solid season from their captain will be required.
If they are to replace Romelu Lukaku's goals, Shane Long will also have a critical role to play. His pace and skill make him a threat to any defence in the Premier League, but he will need to be more clinical when he gets his chances if he is to hit the 15 goal mark.
Key Fixture Dates:
31/08/2013: West Brom vs Swansea
21/09/2013: West Brom vs Sunderland
25/11/2013: West Brom vs Aston Villa
30/11/2013: Newcastle vs West Brom
28/12/2013: West Ham vs West Brom
01/01/2014: West Brom vs Newcastle
28/01/2014: Aston Villa vs West Brom
01/03/2014: Sunderland vs West Brom
15/03/2014: Swansea vs West Brom
26/04/2014: West Brom vs West Ham
Top Goalscorer:
If Long adds goals to his ability to irritate defences, I am certain that he will claim this accolade. As it is, the experience of Anelka, along with his goalscoring ability, makes me think that the Frenchman will claim it this season. He has scored goals at every club he has been, and while I do not expect him to hit 20 this season, the mid teens is quite possible, especially if the club performs as they did last time around.
Prediction:
I have a feeling that West Brom have got themselves out of the 'boing boing' mentality now, with the Baggies repeatedly safe from relegation, culminating in the fabulous success of last season. Whether it was a flash in the pan, or the beginning of a push for Europe will only be seen in time. I think that we will see a repeat of their last season form, resulting in them finishing in the same end result.
West Bromwich Albion 2013/2014: 8th
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